It is already known that, compared to men, female drinkers develop health problems faster and with less alcohol. The results of a recent study of male and female Russian alcoholics and non-alcoholics suggest that female alcoholics are at risk of developing cognitive problems more rapidly than men as well. The findings were published in the May issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

“At a group level,” said Barbara A. Flannery, senior scientist at RTI International and corresponding author for the study, “the female alcoholics – when compared to the male alcoholics – performed worse on tests of visual working memory, spatial planning, problem solving, and cognitive flexibility.” These deficits fall under the category of executive functioning, which “have a more pervasive effect on one’s ability to function on a daily basis.”

Flannery also noted that women and teenage girls should be made aware that alcohol has a more harmful effect on them both physically and cognitively when compared to their male counterparts.

Educating young women about these findings may help to deter them from future destructive drinking.

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